PRESIDENT, Dr Irfaan Ali’s recent speech draws parallels between the fable of the Ant and the Grasshopper and Guyana’s current political scene. This comparison provides a clear framework for assessing the country’s voting options ahead of the general and regional elections on September 1, 2025.

He describes the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) as the hardworking ant that is carefully preparing for the future. In contrast, he portrays the opposition parties as the carefree grasshopper making unrealistic promises. While this may seem politically strategic, it reflects real conditions in Guyana’s governance.

The President’s claim that his government has made real progress deserves careful examination based on concrete evidence, not just political talk. Since returning to office in 2020, the PPP/C administration has invested heavily in infrastructure.

They have built thousands of kilometres of new roads and hundreds of bridges. These are not just numbers; they represent real improvements that have connected communities, especially in hinterland areas that were previously neglected.

The government has also focused on beautification projects, community centres and recreational facilities, creating safer spaces for families and promoting social unity.

One of the most important initiatives is the administration’s “Education Revolution,” a significant investment in developing human resources. Offering free tertiary education at the University of Guyana, graduating over 30,000 individuals with various degrees  and increasing salaries for teachers to show a solid effort to improve education.

The recent opening of the US$4.576 million College of Medical Sciences building, funded in partnership with the World Bank, highlights the government’s dedication to modernising educational facilities and using new technology in training.

Parallel progress has occurred in the healthcare sector, with hundreds of hospitals, clinics, and facilities either completed or under construction.

The collaboration with Mount Sinai and Northwell to bring specialist doctors and nurses to Guyana, along with various health grants for eye exams, cervical cancer screenings, and dialysis treatment, illustrates a methodical approach to building a strong healthcare system. These efforts aim to resolve long-standing issues with healthcare access for rural and remote communities.

President Ali’s warning about the risks of populist promises gains weight when considering the opposition’s recent political history. The collapse of coalition talks between A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) and the Alliance For Change (AFC) highlights core disagreements over power-sharing, rather than on real policy discussions.

The public disagreements among these parties, as shown by statements from parliamentarians Amanza Walton-Desir and Juretha Fernandes about the lengthy negotiations, reveal that the opposition is more concerned with electoral strategy than with governance principles.

The APNU+AFC coalition’s time in office from 2015 to 2020 offers insight into current political choices. Their administration raised taxes on essential services, dismissed over 1,500 Amerindian community support officers, and eliminated cash grants for school children.

These actions hit vulnerable groups the hardest and went against their campaign promises of economic relief and educational support. Allegations that the coalition ignored procurement laws and failed to meet integrity commission standards further damaged public trust in their ability to govern.

President Ali’s focus on managing oil revenue shows a mature understanding of resource management. He recognises that “oil alone does not translate into wealth.” His emphasis on policy choices, investment strategies, and economic diversification displays a thoughtful approach to avoid the resource curse faced by other oil-rich countries.

The government’s Local Content Act prioritises Guyanese nationals and companies in the oil sector, keeping an estimated US$700 million in the country each year, showing smart resource management.

The situation with Venezuela makes President Ali’s call for stable leadership even more urgent. With Venezuela making ongoing claims over the Essequibo region and recent instances of its coast guard troubling ships working with ExxonMobil, Guyana needs experienced diplomatic leadership.

The government’s partnership with the United States, which has made Guyana’s security a top priority, offers crucial international support in confronting regional security issues. Changes in opposition leadership or shifts in policy could put these essential relationships at risk.

The broader context of Guyana’s economic changes strengthens the argument for continuity. The country has been a global leader in economic growth for five years straight, with non-oil sectors expanding by 40% since 2019.

The upcoming gas-to-energy project, which promises to cut electricity costs in half, will bring significant economic support, while also advancing environmental goals outlined in the Low Carbon Development Strategy.

As Guyana approaches the election, voters face a crucial decision between proven leadership and uncertain options. The PPP/C’s consistent approach to infrastructure, education, healthcare, and resource management starkly contrasts with opposition parties that remain divided over basic coalition issues.

Although President Ali’s ant-and-grasshopper analogy may serve a political purpose, it clearly highlights the key difference between effective governance and populist rhetoric. Guyanese voters should consider his call for ongoing stability and responsible leadership as the country faces unprecedented opportunities and challenges.